e applaud the Mental Health Awareness Task Force (MHATF)survey, a project of the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP), the largest survey of its kind ever conducted.

For the first time, a study is focusing specifically on the mental wellness of DO students. The results were presented at AACOM's 2016 Annual Conference, where thought leaders from across the osteopathic medical education (OME) spectrum were brought together to discuss topics, including mental health among medical students.

With more than 10,000 responses collected from students at colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs) nationwide, the survey is a groundbreaking step toward addressing mental wellness among future DOs.

AACOM remains committed to listening to the students, who led this milestone effort, and we encourage active student involvement to improve the public health of future physicians. We've seen first-hand how mental health issues powerfully impact medical students and the patients they serve.

We look forward to collaborating with others in the OME community to reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges, support future research every step of the way, provide data that COMs can use to help students, and develop resources at the campus level that empower the DO student body.

Now Trending: DO Student Wellness

More than half of all physicians are burned out and 54% of medical students report experiencing burnout.

The stark statistics of mental health have inspired the osteopathic community to take action. Medical students are using innovative ways to spark conversation and combat the stigma associated with mental illness.

In light of these efforts, U.S. medical schools recently participated in the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP)'s Second Annual Osteopathic Medical Student (OMS) Day of Wellness.

On February 10, medical students engaged in meaningful #DOWellness events—from community service to yoga sessions and drum circles—to promote mental health.

“This day was designed to celebrate our diversity, take a detour from our usual routines, and continue to have the conversation about mental wellness in our community,” says COSGP Legislative Representative Owais Durrani, OMS-III, in his recent ED to MED blog post.

Now Trending: DO Student Wellness

More than half of all physicians are burned out and 54% of medical students report experiencing burnout.

The stark statistics of mental health have inspired the osteopathic community to take action. Medical students are using innovative ways to spark conversation and combat the stigma associated with mental illness.

In light of these efforts, U.S. medical schools recently participated in the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP)'s Second Annual Osteopathic Medical Student (OMS) Day of Wellness.

On February 10, medical students engaged in meaningful #DOWellness events—from community service to yoga sessions and drum circles—to promote mental health.

“This day was designed to celebrate our diversity, take a detour from our usual routines, and continue to have the conversation about mental wellness in our community,” says COSGP Legislative Representative Owais Durrani, OMS-III, in his recent ED to MED blog post.

A collection of essays by DO students detailing moments of struggle along the journey to becoming a physician.
This new book was written by the 2016 Student DO of the Year awardees from each of the nation’s COMs.